• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.101-110
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• 2009

Objectives : We developed and proposed a guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric cupping apparatus(Class 2 medical device). Methods : We drafted the guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric cupping apparatus by referring the existing standards and guideline, based on online questionnaire for Korean medical doctors and measurement data from commercially available products. Physical dimension of cups and inner vacuum pressure were acquired for the measurement in order to achieve the purposes. Results : This guideline only can be applied to electric cupping apparatus for enhancing blood circulation by employing negative pressure generated by electricity. Seven items of appearance and label, operation test of pump, variation test of input electricity, vacuum level test, vacuum sustain test, cup-size dependent test, noise level test are suggested for evaluation subjects and methods required for electric cupping devices. Requirements for the design and development of electric cupping devices are suggested: vacuum level indicator, vacuum generation rate, pressure control, valve detachment stability, cup comparability, safety measure, surge protection, user friendliness, instruction for use (IFU). Conclusions : We proposed a guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric cupping apparatus to improve the quality of relating products and aid the commercialization of them, by aiming higher industrial competitiveness of the medical device sectors in Korea. Discussion with related institutes such as industry, academy and government is further required. Public hearings also need to be held prior to the establishment of a final guideline and standard.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.250-257
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• 2012

Recently oriental medicine has become a new issue in the global medical field because of increasing demands for the treatment of old people. Western medical equipment is becoming popular with big companies related to IT, communication and medical treatment. But globalization of oriental medicine techniques is inadequate due to lack of knowledge about oriental medicine. The cupping equipment has great growth potential because it is easy for old people to use the equipment. The purpose of this paper is to promote the portable multi electrical cupping system. The system may be used by patients themselves without any help from others. By using many cupping cups at the same time and regulating the timer and vacuum pressure. The patient can decrease itching and relax the hardened muscles. The system is expected to grow in the future as oriental medicine will be in high demand in aging society with IT convergence industry.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.703-711
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• 2009

Arabica coffee is classified for trading according to the New York Board of Trade(NYBOT) green coffee classification. NYBOT's grading system is based on classification derived from a defect count on a 300 g sample. In the present study, green and roasted coffees were investigated for possible correlations between the content of defective beans and sensory characteristics. Sensory evaluation was performed by expert tasters used by the Specialty Coffee Association of America(SCAA) cupping method. For green coffee, the percentage of defective beans increased. as the coffee grade decreased. Black and sour beans were not found in the NY2 grade coffee out of all natural, pulped natural, and washed coffee samples. Sour and insect damage were found in more natural coffee samples as the green coffee grade decreased. Green and broken beans were found in more washed coffee samples as the green coffee grade decreased. Flavor, clean, uniformity, aftertaste, and overall sensory characteristics were significantly different among the NY2, NY3/4 and NY4/5 grade coffee in all natural, pulped natural and washed coffee samples. The natural coffee in the NY2 sample presented the highest body characteristic. The pulped natural coffee in the NY2 sample presented the highest sweetness and balance characteristics. The washed coffee in the NY2 sample presented the highest acidity and flavor characteristics. In conclusion, the percentage of defective beans increased as sensory characteristics decreased.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.252-263
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• 2013

Objectives : Skin color deformation by cupping has been widely used as a diagnostic parameter in Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM). Skin color deformation such as ecchymoses and purpura is induced by local vacuum in a suction cup. Since existing studies have relied on a visual diagnostic method, there is a need to use the quantitative measurement method. Methods : We conducted an analysis of cross-polarization photographic images to assess the changes in skin color deformation. The skin color variation was analyzed using $L^*a^*b^*$ space and the skin erythema index(E.I.). The meridian theory in TKM indicates that the condition of primary internal organs is closely related to the skin color deformation at special acupoints. Before conducting these studies, it is necessary to evaluate whether or not skin color deformation is influenced by muscle condition. Hence, we applied cupping at BL13, BL15, BL18, BL20 and BL23 at Bladder Meridian(BL) and measured blood lactate at every acupoint. Results : We confirmed the high system measurement accuracy, and observed the diverse skin color deformations. Moreover, we confirmed that the $L^*$, $a^*$ and E.I. had not changed after 40 minutes(p>0.05). The distribution of blood lactate levels at each part was observed differently. Blood lactate level and skin color deformation at each part was independent of each other. Conclusions : The negative pressure produced by the suction cup induces a reduction in the volumetric fraction of melanosomes and subsequent reduction in epidermal thickness. The relationship between variations of tissue and skin properties and skin color deformation degree must be investigated prior to considering the relationship between internal organ dysfunction and skin color deformation.